List of Korean Emoticons and How to Use Them

Korean emoticons have meanings far and wide. And knowing these Korean emoticons will let you know if your Korean friends are happy, surprised, or just trying to be cute! Reciprocate your feelings using this list of Korean emoticons.

Note: there are many Korean emoticons and interpretations differ. This list of Korean emoticons has been compiled with the help of a Korean college student.

Emoticon

Represents

Notes

^o^ | ^-^

Happy face (two raised eyes/eyebrows)

^^ is the easiest and most common form

ㅜㅜ | ㅠㅠ | ㅠㅡㅠ

Sad/Crying face (vertical lines are tears)

ㅠ or ㅜ also works

^^; | ^-^;

Sweat running down a face

Nervousness, apprehension, timidness (with a smile)

>//<

Shyness, Bashfulness

Guy: You’re pretty
Girl: >//<

^.~

Wink

n/a

=_=

Sleepiness

Also used when uninterested
in what the other person says

-_- | ㅡㅡ

Serious face

Used when feelings are hurt (often jokingly)
Also used to express disbelief.

>_< | >ㅁ< | >3<

Cute face

When trying to act cute = 애교 (egyo)*

+_+ | ㅇ_ㅇ

Surprise

ㅇ_ㅇ requires Korean keyboard

~_~

Boredom or “wtf” in emoticon form

“wtf” = 어이없다 (eoieopta)*

★.★

Excitement

For stars, Yahoo Answers says press:
Alt + 9733 (number pad)

♥.♥ | ♡.♡

Love

For hearts, this site says press:
Alt + 3 (number pad)

ㅎ_ㅎ | ㅋ_ㅋ

Cute Face

Requires Korean keyboard

*Language Tip:

애교 (egyo) – the act of turning on the charm (in a cute manner)
어이없다 (eoieopta) – phrase used for absurd situations or requests (akin to “wtf”)

For more Korean emoticons, check out this list of emoticons , or try taking this Korean emoticon quiz!